This meditation focuses on the fourth of the seven Awakening Factors, Piti, often translated as joy or rapture; I prefer to use the term enthusiastic interest.  Joy becomes more apparent and useful with the support of the first three factors, mindfulness, investigation and energy/Right Effort, so these factors are encouraged for practicing mindfulness of breathing meditation.  It is suggested to be alert for differences in consciousness between the heaviness of sloth and torpor and the buoyancy of simple breath awareness; this buoyancy is piti, and it becomes more recognizable as the hindrances are set aside.  Several supportive suggestions for contemplation are mentioned during the meditation.  The intention of this guided meditation is to enhance the understanding and application of the Joy Awakening Factor in the accompanying talk, Awakening With Joy.

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